Do more with your XBee devices
Set up and perform a range test
XBee DigiMesh 2.4 Getting Started Guide
9
9. Click the
Write radio settings
button
.
The remote XBee module now has a different LED blink time.
10. To return to the default LED blink times, change the LT parameter back to 0 for XBEE_B.
Set up and perform a range test
This section shows you how to set up two XBee modules to perform a range test, which demonstrates
the real-world RF range and link quality between two XBee modules in the same network. Performing
a range test gives an initial indication of the expected communication performance of the kit
components. When deploying an actual network, perform multiple range tests to analyze varying
conditions in your application.
Configure the XBee modules for a range test
For XBee modules to communicate with each other, you configure them so they are in the same
network. You also set the local device to API mode to obtain all possible data of the remote XBee
module.
1. Add two XBee modules to XCTU. See
Step 3: Add the XBee modules to XCTU
.
2. Select the first XBee module and click the
Load default firmware settings
button
.
3. Configure the following parameters:
ID:
2015
NI:
XBEE_A
AP:
API enabled [1]
4. Click the
Write radio settings
button
.
5. Select the other XBee module and click
.
6. Configure the following parameters:
NI:
XBEE_B
AP:
API disabled [0]
7. Click the
Write radio settings
button
.
After you write the radio settings for each XBee module, their names appear in the
Radio
Modules
area. The Port indicates XBEE_A is in API mode.
8. Disconnect XBEE_B from your computer and remove it from XCTU by clicking the
Remove the
list of remote modules
button
.
9. Connect XBEE_B to a power supply (or laptop or portable battery) and move it away from
XBEE_A to the desired location for your range test.
XBee module Indoor range (approximate) Outdoor range (approximate)
